Just days after Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin declared his intention to remain in Pittsburgh, his name is still attracting interest from other teams. According to a source, the Chicago Bears and at least one other team contacted the Steelers to inquire about dealing for Tomlin.
However, the Steelers have declined these demands, warning teams that Tomlin’s contract contains a no-trade clause, as first reported by ESPN.
The interest from other clubs comes only a few days after Tomlin advised potential suitors to “save your time.” Tomlin, who received a three-year contract deal last year to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches, has led the Steelers since 2007.
The Steelers are recognized for their patience with their coaching staff, having only three head coaches since 1969. Despite the Steelers’ fifth consecutive first-round playoff exit, the franchise is not interested in replacing Tomlin.
The Bears have accelerated their coaching search in recent days, including an in-person interview with former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday. They also interviewed Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Wednesday, which was their 11th.
Bears show they are serious.
At least the Bears tried. The Bears’ comprehensive coaching search includes contacting the Steelers to inquire about Tomlin’s availability. However, Pittsburgh’s attitude was clear: they will not let Tomlin go. Having said that, it’s a good thing the Bears tried. This demonstrates their commitment to finding the proper coach, particularly under president/CEO Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles.
However, the Bears are still searching for their sixth head coach since 2012. Tomlin’s coaching record is not much better than Mike McCarthy’s, and McCarthy might play an important role in developing quarterback Caleb Williams. Since 2018, Tomlin has had four offensive coordinators, and life without Ben Roethlisberger has been challenging.
The Steelers’ quest for their future quarterback continues, as neither Kenny Pickett, the 20th overall pick in 2022, nor Russell Wilson have helped them overcome their problems this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second half.
If and when Tomlin departs, it will be on his terms.
Every year, when the Steelers lose in the first round of the playoffs, speculations circulate that Tomlin might be on the move. However, it appears like Tomlin and the Steelers are dedicated to working together for the long haul.
The Steelers are well-known for their patience and place a higher value on consistency than any other NFL team. Remember, after a humiliating playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last season, the team awarded Tomlin a three-year contract extension and a raise. They demonstrated trust in him after seven years without a postseason triumph, so it appears doubtful that they will break ways now.
Tomlin’s popularity has plummeted, and he is approaching a decade without a postseason victory, but his job security remains strong. Tomlin’s no-trade clause and public comments demonstrate that he is committed to Pittsburgh and feels he can lead the team to victory.
Taking large swings makes sense.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has stated that the team will consider all options to find the finest coach for the job. The Bears haven’t ruled out any choices, as evidenced by the diverse applicants they’ve interviewed. The Bears’ president, Kevin Warren, has commended the team’s appeal, citing the fans, the history, the available salary-cap space, and the rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. If he believes this is an excellent coaching opportunity, he should take bold steps.
The essential question is: who else did the Bears contact? This isn’t just about whether Tomlin would be a good fit; he’d undoubtedly be the best coach the Bears have had since Mike Ditka, and McCarthy and Pete Carroll, who have both interviewed, would be excellent choices as well. Regardless, it demonstrates that the Bears are serious about improving.
Though a trade for Tomlin is doubtful, it is reassuring to see the Bears’ willingness to be bold. One issue to keep an eye out for is if their broad search leads to the loss of a qualified applicant because they take too long to make a selection. While that is not a major problem right now, the clock may start ticking when in-person interviews begin next week.
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